Dates for Snana Yatra, Niladri Bije finalised at SJTA-Chhatisha Nijog meeting

Puri: The dates for rituals like Snana Yatra and Niladri Bije  besides rituals to be held on lunar eclipse on July 27 in Srimandir were finalised at a meeting held between Chhatisha Nijog (apex body of temple servitors’ bodies) and members of Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday. At the meeting, the servitors were also directed to ensure smooth conduct of rituals during 'Gajanana Vesha' on Snana Purnima.

All the members of Nijog have also been told to follow the Supreme Court order that has barred servitors from accepting donations from devotees. Later, affidavits in this regard will be filed by the temple administration and by individual Nijogs as well.

"Apart from the temple administration, individual Nijogs will also submit their affidavits before the Supreme Court. The Temple administration will submit its report to the district judge," Srimandir Chief Administrator Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra said.

A decision regarding the payment of 'Daitapatis' was also taken during the meeting. It was decided that it will be disbursed on the basis of Record of Rights. The meeting was chaired by the Chief Administrator in the presence of Puri collector and Superintendent of Police.

Addressing the media, senior servitor Rabindra Pratihari said,"Important decisions on rituals during Snana Purnima and Niladri Bije were taken during the meeting. The Chief Administrator has asked individual Nijogs to submit their affidavits before the apex court."

"Since the matter (acceptance of donations from devotees) is subjudice, the rituals should be conducted properly. I believe the committee members will properly present facts before the Supreme Court. Later, it is for the court to take the final decision," another senior servitor Nilakantha Mohapatra said.